tokyo street photography workshop

“More than any other city, Tokyo demonstrates that “city” is a verb and not a noun.”

— Toshiko Mori (architect)

photograph tokyo beyond the tourist trail

One of my favourite things about photography is wandering without a fixed destination. The best conversations, photographs, and discoveries often happen simply by slowing down, observing, and just being present.

My workshops are built around that philosophy. Whether you book a private session or join a small group, we'll explore some of Tokyo's most visually inspiring neighbourhoods while discussing composition, storytelling, light, timing, and how to develop your own photographic eye.

Every workshop is tailored to your experience level and interests rather than following a rigid lesson plan. Whether you're just getting started or refining your style, we'll cover the techniques, creative thinking, and practical skills that matter most to you all while developing a more intentional approach to street photography.

If you've followed my work, you'll know I'm far more interested in hidden streets, everyday life, and authentic moments than ticking off famous landmarks. My goal isn't simply to help you take better photographs—it's to help you experience Tokyo in a completely different way.

choose your adventure

A photography workshop in some of Tokyo's best local locations

A man with dark hair and a black shirt sitting at a table in a restaurant or cafe, with bright red Chinese characters overlaid on the image.

Tokyo After Hours

¥24,000

Explore the endless backstreets of Shimbashi + explore Tokyo's iconic salaryman culture after dark. A street photography treasure, an area filled with sinful pleasures + aesthetics galore

More Info

✓ 2 hours private session (additional time can be available)

✓ insider knowledge of where to shoot

✓ beginner to advanced settings, tips and techniques

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Tokyo Red Light

¥24,000

Welcome to Kabukicho, with its endless labyrinth of backstreets, iconic neons + hidden spots. We explore the seedier side of the city in Asia's largest red-light district exploring deep Japan culture

More Info

✓ 2 hours private session (additional time can be available)

✓ insider knowledge of where to shoot

✓ beginner to advanced settings, tips and techniques

Street scene in Japan at night with people holding umbrellas, neon signs, and illuminated storefronts.

Tokyo Izakayas

¥24,000

Beyond Tokyo's famous landmarks lies Nakano—a neighbourhood where nostalgic Shōwa-era charm, traditional izakayas, hidden alleyways, and old nightlife culture create endless photographic opportunities.

More Info

✓ 2 hours private session (additional time can be available)

✓ insider knowledge of where to shoot

✓ beginner to advanced settings, tips and techniques

IMPORTANT: Any bookings on my site infer you have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions as well as the FAQ which can be found here. The T&C outlines important legal information while the FAQ covers questions regarding what to expect for your photoshoot before, during and afterwards.

Please understand my online schedule may differ from my actual schedule. It is always best to contact me before booking to be sure of the date and time you want is available. 

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Text reading 'Tokyo Afterhours' in bold white brushstroke font on a black background.

One of my absolute favorite areas for night street photography and an area I know intimately, in this workshop we will dive into one of Tokyo's most iconic cultures, that of the salaryman. The Japanese are known, for better or worst, for their long hours and unwavering commitment to their work and companies sometimes at the expense of things like their family life. These white collar workers in their business attire are part of the iconic imagery that makes up Tokyo and there is no better place to capture them once they finish work then the Shimbashi/Yurakcho area. The motto of work hard, play hard applies here as when the Japanese worker has finished work they let off steam with colleagues in izakayas, karaoke clubs, hostess clubs and other 'entertainment'.  A must see on your visit to Japan.

Max Size:  1- 6 people

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Cost:  ¥24,000 for 1 person. 2 or more in your group is ¥20,000 per person.

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Location:  Shimbashi / Yurakucho​
Meeting Point:  Outside of HIBUYA exit Shimbashi station

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Language: English, Japanese (intermediate)

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Required Gear: 

Minimum:  a smartphone camera with manual settings app
Preferred:  DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual modes

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  • Night scene of a narrow street with two people walking away from the camera, surrounded by buildings with signs in Japanese. The scene is dimly lit with a focus on a bright sign in the background, and the words 'Tokyo' and 'Afterhours' are overlaid in white text.
  • Red paper lanterns and Japanese characters hanging in a restaurant, with a man sitting inside, partially visible in profile.
  • A man in a suit and tie, smoking a cigarette, standing in a dimly lit storage or warehouse area surrounded by boxes and shelves.
  • A person sitting at a counter in a small restaurant, wearing a white hair covering and a black shirt, with a bowl in front of them, surrounded by kitchen equipment and ventilation fans.
  • A person sitting at a table seen through a wooden lattice or partition in a dimly lit room.
  • Silhouette of a person standing behind a glass window with pink lighting.
  • A blurred photo of a sign that reads 'Rainbow Hotel' with lighting in the background.
  • Two men in white shirts are sitting at a small table inside a restaurant, sharing a meal. The restaurant has a neon sign of a steaming bowl of food in the window behind them, with some Thai script visible. They are engaged in conversation.
  • A view through a restaurant or bar window showing customers seated inside, with a dog in the foreground partially obstructing the view. The dog is looking in the direction of the window.
  • A woman standing outside a Japanese restaurant at night, illuminated by traditional paper lanterns with Japanese writing, with a neon sign indicating 24-hour service on a city street.
  • A man having a conversation with a woman in a restaurant seen through a glass window.
  • A dimly lit indoor scene with a window, a man wearing glasses and a mask, various signs, and a few orange baskets on the floor.
  • A person smiling and laughing, viewed through a gap with a dark foreground, in what appears to be a restaurant or bar setting.
  • Nighttime street scene with illuminated signs in Japanese, a man wearing a mask standing next to a bicycle, and a row of buildings with various advertisements and lights.
  • A man sitting in a dimly lit room, smoking a cigarette, with posters and hangers on the wall behind him.
  • Night scene of a busy city street with numerous illuminated signs in Japanese, people walking, and a black van in the foreground.
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Text saying 'Tokyo Redlight' in a handwritten style on a black background.

Welcome to Kabukicho, Asias largest entertainment and red light district. An environment where you can witness some of Japans deep underground culture in a setting that will satisfy the most hardcore of cyberpunk fans. This is an area of Tokyo I probably photograph most regularly and so I know a lot of the history and deep spots off the beaten path. When most westerners think 'red-light' they may conjure images of places like Amsterdam with night workers on display in windows. While that does exist in certain parts of Japan (hello, Osaka) Tokyo's red-light is much less obvious but not any less sinful. The area is vast and full of neons and back alleys you would imagine in Hollywood cinema and characters galore. A true visual feast.

Max Size:  1- 6 people

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Cost:  ¥24,000 for 1 person. 2 or more in your group is ¥20,000 per person.

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Location:  Shinjuku / Kabukicho​
Meeting Point:  Outside of JR Shinjuku station EAST Exit

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Language: English, Japanese (intermediate)

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Required Gear: 

Minimum:  a smartphone camera with manual settings app
Preferred:  DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual modes

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Book Now
  • Brightly lit billboard in Tokyo featuring two young male models, with text in Japanese and English promoting a music group or album.
  • A dimly lit scene inside a bar with a woman behind the counter decorated with star-shaped and star-patterned lanterns. Two people are sitting on the other side of the counter, one with dark hair and glasses facing the woman, and another with a hat. A sign on the left side says 'BITCH' with an image of a woman smiling.
  • People walking on a city street at night with illuminated signs and reflections on wet pavement or glass.
  • A black taxi cab with illuminated red and white signs, one of which is in Chinese characters. A person wearing a face mask is sitting in the driver's seat. The surroundings include city lights, signs, and reflections on the taxi's shiny surface.
  • Two young women smiling and walking in a busy city street at night, illuminated by bright neon signs and displays.
  • Nighttime city street in Japan with illuminated billboards and signs in Japanese, cars on the road, and a building with red and green advertisements.
  • A stage with a red sign that reads 'The Forest of Magic' and is lit by bright stage lights. The stage is enclosed by decorative wrought iron bars, and there is a window with an arched top in a dark room.
  • Nighttime street scene in Japan with illuminated signs, people walking by, some wearing masks and formal attire, storefronts with advertisements and posters, and a window reflecting images.
  • Group of people sitting on the ground in a busy urban area at night, with a large screen displaying multiple images above them and city lights in the background.
  • Nighttime exterior view of a Japanese shop with illuminated red and white signage in Japanese characters, displaying toys, hobby items, and cameras, with a person sitting outside and a scooter on the street.
  • Nighttime cityscape of a busy urban street in Japan with illuminated signs, billboards, and traffic reflections on the wet road.
  • A poster of a woman with black hair posing topless, with Japanese text and a price listed as 2,000 yen, and hinting at lower price options.
  • People walking on a neon-lit city street at night, some holding umbrellas in the rain, with various illuminated signs and advertisements in the background.
  • Silhouette of an elderly person standing in front of a large, colorful wall mural featuring a woman with traditional geisha makeup, elaborate hair decorations, and kimono with floral and fish designs, set against a moonlit background with cherry blossoms and flowers.
  • View of a rainy city street seen through a glass window covered with raindrops. Blurred silhouettes of people walking and vehicle taillights glowing in the background.
  • Night scene of a busy street in Japan with illuminated signs in Japanese, a large red and white neon advertisement, people walking, and a leafless tree in the foreground.
A red paintbrush stroke on a white background.
Bold white text saying 'TOKYO' above 'IAKAYAS' with a black background.

Nakano district is not on everyones radar and not a place most tourists would think to go but for those interested in seeing a part of Tokyo that harkens back to its old Showa-era retro charm, this is a part of Tokyo not to be missed! Its sometimes referred to as 'Otaku Heaven' for it's vast array of comic books, collectibles, costumes and rare toys and of course the iconic Nakano Broadway shopping mall that truly seems frozen in time. But it's also home to several narrow and picturesque streets full to the brim of izakayas, ramen shops and various other 'entertainment'. It really has an old school charm you won't find elsewhere in such a large and walkable area. The local crowd is casual and laid-back in stark contrast to the more hustle and bustle parts of Tokyo. Here, you'll find big signs displaying kanji and old steel and painted glass street lamps which make you feel as if you’ve been transported back to old Tokyo.

Max Size:  1- 6 people

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Cost:  ¥24,000 for 1 person. 2 or more in your group is ¥20,000 per person.

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Location:  Nakano​
Meeting Point:  Outside of Nakano Station NORTH Exit

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Language: English, Japanese (intermediate)

Speaker icon indicating sound is on

Required Gear: 

Minimum:  a smartphone camera with manual settings app
Preferred:  DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual modes

Placeholder image of a camera icon.
Book Now
  • Night scene with a Japanese food cart decorated with Izakayas signs, people standing at the cart, and a large illuminated "TOKYO" sign in the foreground.
  • Nighttime street scene with illuminated signs in Japanese, umbrellas held by pedestrians, wet pavement reflecting lights, and overhead electrical cables.
  • A Japanese restaurant or bar entrance with illuminated signs, traditional red paper lantern, and beige fabric curtains, revealing a man inside.
  • A street food vendor preparing food behind a glass display, with steam rising from stacked steaming baskets. The vendor wears a hairnet and face mask, with a red straw protruding from a drink in front. The scene appears to be in a busy commercial kitchen or food stall.
  • A person walking on a snowy street at night, holding an umbrella and carrying a plastic bag, surrounded by illuminated signs and storefronts with Japanese text.
  • A man with dark hair sits at a counter inside a Japanese restaurant, smiling. The photo is taken through a window, with reflections and a 'No Smoking' sign partially visible in the foreground. There are various decorations and signs on the wall behind him, including a menu written in Japanese.
  • Night scene of a busy street in Japan with hanging lanterns and string lights, several people walking, illuminated signs in Japanese, and a large red lantern on the right side.
  • A nighttime street scene with a small restaurant or food stand emitting steam, with two people standing in front of it. The building has a large red Japanese kanji character on its white wall, illuminated by outside lights. There are signs and banners with Japanese writing, and the street appears to be in an urban area with other buildings around.
  • A street scene in Japan at night with bright neon signs, people with umbrellas, and reflections on a wet sidewalk.
  • A group of young men sitting around a wooden table in a neon-lit Asian restaurant or bar, with colorful murals and fabric flags in the background, and warm lighting creating a cozy atmosphere.
  • A man with blonde hair and glasses looking at a camera through a mirror, with colorful posters and decorations in the background, inside a dimly lit restaurant or bar with red lighting.

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